Tift County names new head football coach

The Tift County School System has named Ashley Anders as its new Head Football Coach. Anders has served as Tift County’s Assistant Head Coach since 2013.

“I’m honored to be a part of such a great community and school system,” said Anders. “I’m very excited about the future of our student athletes and Blue Devil football. I appreciate the School Board members, Superintendent Patrick Atwater, Principal Kim Seigler and Athletic Director Rusty Smith putting their trust in me and giving me this opportunity.”

This is his first head football coaching job, but Anders comes to the position with an impressive background. He served as the Defensive Coordinator at Murray State University (2010-2013), Georgia Southern University (2007-2009), Valdosta State University (2002-2007) and Holmes Community College (2000-2002). He also has coaching experience with basketball, baseball and weight lifting.

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas Monticello and his Master’s Degree from Auburn University where he also worked as a Defensive Graduate Assistant.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Anders now leading our football program,” said Seigler. “In the two years he has already been in the system, we have seen him become actively involved with our students and incredibly supportive of all of our athletic programs.”

Anders’s wife Sheri is a special education teacher at Annie Belle Clarke Primary School. They have three children, Mary Alex, 14, Cade, 12, and Camden, 8, all who attend Tift County Schools.

Anders was hired to replace Coach John Reid who took a job to coach at Rome City Schools in Floyd County, Ga.

“Coach Reid made great improvements to our program and helped to strengthen the foundation of our football teams,” said Tift County Athletic Director Rusty Smith. “We wish him well with his future career.”